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According to NZ universities, you will need to budget between NZ$15,000–$20,000 (South Island) and NZ$18,000 – $25,000 (North Island) per academic year for New Zealand expenses, depending on where you live.
An international student’s annual cost of living in New Zealand is 1,500 NZD (123,600 NPR). The average cost of living in Australia is 18% more expensive than in New Zealand and Australia is ranked 10th vs 15th for New Zealand in the list of the most expensive countries in the world. So, it is recommended that you budget an additional expense of 32,000–35,000 NZD (20.77–26.35 lakhs NPR) to study in New Zealand.
A master’s degree costs between NZD 26,000 (21 lakhs) and NZD 37,000 (30 lakhs) for an academic year, while a PhD may cost between NZD 6,000 (5 lakhs approx) and NZD 9,000 (8 lakhs approx) depending on the amount of funding they receive in New Zealand for their studies.
Moreover, an undergraduate degree typically costs an academic year between NZD 22,000 (18 lakhs approx) and NZD 32,000 (26 lakhs approx). The immigration agency requires the applicant to have at least NZD 10,200 (9 lakhs approx) in their account to demonstrate that they can afford to support their studies, according to the official criteria. After demonstrating this amount, candidates are only given a visa to study in New Zealand.
In addition to your tuition and insurance expenditures, NZD 20,000 (16 lakh) and NZD 25,000 (21 lakhs approx) a year (NZD 380 – 480 per week) living expenses in New Zealand for international students must consider for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment.
The typical living expense will be the same regardless of your tuition or course fee. Note that these figures are only suggestions; the requirements for immigrating to New Zealand are $15,000 per year plus return flights or an additional $2,000. The table below shows the average cost of living in New Zealand for international students.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
| Type | Expense (in NZD) | In NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | NZD 10–NZD 12 (for 5 km) | 984 approx |
| Rent | NZD 800–NZD 950 per month | 65,000-78,000 approx |
| Groceries | NZD 200–NZD 500 per week | 16,000-44,000 approx |
| Visiting a doctor | NZD 45–NZD 85 | 4,000-7,200 approx |
| Milk | NZD 3 per litre | 256 approx |
| Food | NZD 15–NZD 20 | 1,280-1,760 approx |
| Telecommunications | NZD 19 | 1,600 approx |
| Utilities | NZD 200 per week | 16,000 approx |
Here are the regional house prices in different cities in New Zealand.
New Zealand Cost of Living For Students – Accommodation Cost
| City | House Price |
|---|---|
| Auckland | NZ$$1.261m |
| Bay of Plenty | NZ$$1.006m |
| Tasman | NZ$771k |
| Wellington | NZ$$1.018m |
| Nelson | NZ$772k |
| Waikato | NZ$722k |
| Hawkes Bay | NZ$589k |
| Otago | NZ$615k |
| Central Otago | NZ$792k |
| Christchurch | NZ$741k |
| Northland | NZ$679k |
| Marlborough | NZ$695k |
| Manawatu/Wanganui | NZ$598k |
| Gisborne | NZ$596k |
| Taranaki | NZ$475k |
| Southland | NZ$488k |
| West Coast | NZ$371k |
Here is a detailed overview of the Cost of Living in New Zealand for different cities.
Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, stands out as both a hub for high-paying jobs and the most expensive place to reside in the country. While the city boasts some of the nation’s top-salaried positions and a robust job market, the Auckland, New Zealand cost of living for students in terms of rent, property, and dining is notably high.
As per Glimp, a comparison website, an individual looking to live independently in Auckland should aim for a monthly income of at least NZ$5,000, while a family’s comfortable living requires around NZ$7,984 per month. Housing expenses, whether in rent or mortgage payments, are steep in Auckland. Living alone in the central business district can cost approximately NZ$2,280 per month, and renting a three-bedroom suburban flat may set you back NZ$2,360. Overall, the average house price in Auckland stands at NZ$1.04 million.
Auckland’s central city and nearby suburbs are more conducive to walking or public transportation. However, beyond these areas, the city may not be as pedestrian-friendly, making it advisable to consider purchasing a car for convenient travel throughout the broader metropolitan area.
Wellington
The capital city of New Zealand, holds the distinction of having the highest rental rates in the country. However, it is comparatively more affordable than Auckland when considering expenses such as groceries and other living costs.
According to the statistics given by Trade Me Rental Price Index, Wellington’s median weekly rent stands at NZ$640, and the average house price has reached NZ$1.018 million. Typically, two-bedroom properties in Wellington command rents ranging from NZ$520 to NZ$650 per week, while three-bedroom properties range from NZ$670 to NZ$850 per week.
Living in Wellington offers a cost-saving advantage through its extensive public transport system. Unlike some other cities, owning a car in Wellington is not a necessity, thanks to the availability of buses, trains, and ferries that serve the inner city, Kapiti Coast, and Hutt Valley Regions.
Also, Read: Top 10 Jobs in New Zealand for Indians
Christchurch
Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, has made significant strides in recovery since the impactful earthquake of 2011. Serving as a major business hub, the city boasts a thriving economy, and the ongoing reconstruction efforts have contributed to preventing a sharp increase in housing prices and rents.
In comparison to other major cities in New Zealand, Christchurch stands out as the most affordable. While the cost of living is higher than in smaller towns, it remains notably more budget-friendly than even smaller cities such as Gisborne, Napier, or Tauranga.
For an individual in Christchurch, the cost of living in New Zealand is around NZ$4,298 per month. However, a family of four should aim for a minimum monthly income of NZ$6,224 to meet living expenses in the city. In 2023, the average weekly rent in Christchurch stood at NZ$505. These figures serve as practical benchmarks for understanding the financial aspects of residing in Christchurch, encompassing various essential expenditures like housing, groceries, and utilities.
Queenstown
Despite its small size, Queenstown has gained a reputation for having some of the most expensive housing in New Zealand. Over the past three decades, it has transformed from a modest village into a town synonymous with luxurious accommodations and thrilling activities. The town has grappled with a housing shortage in recent years, a challenge attributed to its geographic location and popularity among tourists and affluent investors. This scarcity has contributed to an overall increase in the prices of goods, food, and services in the area.
As per the latest figures, in Queenstown, the average weekly rent is NZ$700, marking a year-over-year increase of $110 (18.6%). Typically, individuals share this cost among two, three, or four flatmates. For a satisfying solo living experience, a single person should budget at least NZ$5,000 per month, whereas living in a shared flat may require around NZ$4,000 monthly. Supporting a family of four necessitates a minimum monthly income of NZ$8,000. These financial considerations are higher than those in larger cities like Wellington, mainly due to the elevated costs of groceries, dining out, and entertainment in Queenstown.
Most Affordable Cities to Live in New Zealand
Some of the most affordable cities in New Zealand are given below.
⦁ Christchurch
⦁ Dunedin
⦁ Whanganaui
⦁ Rotorua
⦁ Hamilton
⦁ Whangarei